Overview

Join GranFondo Cycling Tours in an epic cycling adventure though Tuscany, Umbria and the Lazio region. Enjoy the rolling hills, renaissance palaces, medieval hill top villages and ancient Etruscan towns. Sample fantastic Italian cuisine and world famous wines. Cycle through the paradise of the Tuscan landscape as we explore the region of Chianti, and the cypress lined classic Tuscan roads of the Val d’Orcia and the green hills of Umbria.

Included in this tour is a transfer into Rome itself and participation in the Campagnolo Gran Fondo Roma.

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Experience Level: Intermediate

Mileage: 40-50 mi mi / day

Dates:

October 3 - 10, 2017

Package Price:

$3,350

Single supplement:

$495

Itinerary

Enjoy bike routes and tours through Tuscany Italy, chianti, Sienna

Itinerary

Day 1: Chianti loop

Arrive in Florence for the start of the tour. Our first Villa Hotel is just outside Florence in the Chianti region of Tuscany. After building the bikes take an easy spin or relax by the pool. Evening, we will have an orientation dinner prepared by the hotel chef, pass out your tour clothing, and discuss our routes and planned adventures.

Day 2: San Gimignano out-and-back / Chianti wine tasting

Today we ride through the vineyards to the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano, where you can visit the famous Belle Torriâ city well-known for its history, arts and culture, and situated on the Tuscan Hills. San Gimignano is one of our favorite hill top towns and a great spot to eat Gelato (Italian ice cream). Later, we will visit local vineyards, sample some local wines, and have dinner out at a fantastic Tuscan Trattoria.

Day 3: Siena

Ride through Chianti to Siena, one of Tuscany’s most famous and romantic Renaissance towns. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, Siena is one of the most amazing and beautiful cities of Tuscany. The town is built on three hills and surrounded by well preserved walls, it is filled with ornate Gothic architecture and has one of the world’s most unique piazzas – il Campo. This piazza is the spiritual and visual heart of the city where for centuries the neighborhoods of Siena have competed with one another in the world famous “il Palio” an all out bareback horse race around the square. Enjoy an evening coffee in the piazza and watch the world go by. Evening, we will have dinner at Il Nonno (Grandma's Restaurant) a long time tour favorite.

Day 4: Pienza

The ride from Siena to Pienza immerses you in the true beauty of the Tuscan landscape. You will ride though the very well preserved renaissance town of Asciano. Here you can stop by a local café for an espresso, then we will be on to Pienza. Often described as the “ideal city” or the “utopian city”, it represents one of the best planned of Renaissance towns. It was built on request by Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who was Pope Pio II in 1458. Pienza is located in the centre of the Val d’Orcia, a wonderful and untouched valley. The main piazza is the foundation for the town. (Its success as a “center stage” can be seen in Romeo and Juliet directed by Franco Zeffirelli) Strolling through the charming neighborhood, you will find street names such as Via dell’Amore, Via delBacio, Via della Fortuna” or “Love Street”, “Street of Kisses”, “Lucky Street”. The streets are also filled with craft shops, restaurants serving typical Tuscan fare, shops selling cheese and wine. In the evening, for dinner you are free to discover a local restaurant on your own. A favorite pleasure of the day is to enjoy wine and cheese on the outer wall of the city overlooking the Tuscan valley at sunset.

Day 5: Orvieto & Val D’Orcia

Val d’Orcia, dotted with cypress trees and traversed by the ancient Roman road called the Francigena, is one of Tuscany’s best-preserved natural wonders. It has become known all over the world as the classic Tuscan landscape. The UNESCO World Heritage List recognizes Val d’Orcia’s extraordinary beauty and its inspiration and prominence in landscape painting. Films like the Oscar winners The English Patient, La Vita è Bella and Gladiator were shot here, as well as Romeo and Juliet, and Under the Tuscan Sun.

Our destination for today is Orvieto, a very unique and interesting city. As you approach Orvieto and see the town from a distance, it rises on a plateau of volcanic tuff, surrounded by a landscape of fields and vineyards. The natural yet unbreachable walls appear to encircle the city rather than elevate it as though it were a fortress rising above the flat valley floor. Our hotel is located in the center of town. You will want to take a stroll through the narrow streets, visit the famous Duomo, and enjoy local wines and some of the many wine bars.

Day 6: Transfer to Rome / Check-in for the Granfondo Roma

From Orvieto we transfer to the heart of Rome where we check in for the Campagnolo Roma and prepar for the big event.

Day 7: Granfondo Roma

Participation in the Campagnolo Gran Fondo Roma.

Day 8: Departure

Today is our scheduled departure day from Rome. You may spend additional night in Rome exploring on your own.

Trip Details

Cycling in Tuscany Italy from Florence to Rome

Trip Details

Package Includes:

Fully supported with accommodations

All Breakfasts and dinners

Rental bikes available

Wine tasting

Participation in the Campagnolo Granfondo Roma

Arrivals from Florence FLR

Departures from Rome

Highlights:

Chianti

San Gimignano

Siena

Pienza

Orvieto & Val D’Orcia

Our groups are kept small so reserve your spot soon. To make your reservation please submit your reservation form along with a credit card deposit of $300. Note: deposits are refundable within 3 months prior to the tour date minus a $100 processing fee. Final amount will be due 3 months prior to the tour departure date.

Once you have reserved your tour an account will be created for you that will be used to track and update your customer information required for your tour. This will include your contact information, rider profile and various tour options. You will be able to view or update your information at any time.

Final payments are due 3 months prior to the tour date. These can be paid by check or credit card. Checks can be sent to the address below.

Checks:

Payable to: Granfondo Cycling Tours

9939 Hibert St. #105

San Diego, CA 92131

Or by Credit Card (Visa / Master Card)

Travel insurance … also known as trip insurance, is recommended for anyone traveling in a foreign country. They are relatively low cost and can protect against unexpected cancellations and depending on the company can provide additional medical coverage, property damage, theft etc. For our tours we recommend CSA Travel Protection. When purchasing please mention that you are with our group. Agent initials CAP and producer code W8000182.

Airfare assistance … For a good source on tickets you can contact Connoisseur Consolidators 1-888-646-6522. If you call, please let them know you are with Granfondo Cycling Tours.

Cancellation Policy … In the event that you have to cancel your trip the following rules apply to regularly scheduled tours. Private tours may have additional guidelines.